Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC)

At Uttarakhand Blood Centre, Dehradun, we provide Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC) to patients requiring red cell transfusions. PRBC is the most commonly transfused blood component, essential for treating anemia, blood loss, and various medical conditions.

What are Packed Red Blood Cells?

Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC) are the concentrated red blood cell component obtained after separating plasma and other components from whole blood. One unit of PRBC contains approximately 200-250 mL of red cells and provides the oxygen-carrying capacity needed by the body.

PRBC Processing and Storage

PRBC units are prepared using advanced blood separation techniques:

• Whole blood is collected and centrifuged to separate components
• Plasma is removed, leaving concentrated red blood cells
• Additive solutions like SAGM (Saline Adenine Glucose Mannitol) are added to preserve red cells
• Units are leukodepleted to reduce transfusion reactions
• Stored at 2-6°C for up to 42 days

Medical Uses of PRBC

PRBC transfusions are indicated for:

• Symptomatic anemia (hemoglobin < 7 g/dL or hematocrit < 21%)
• Acute blood loss requiring volume and oxygen-carrying capacity
• Chronic anemia due to kidney disease, cancer treatment, or nutritional deficiencies
• Sickle cell disease and thalassemia requiring regular transfusions
• Surgical patients with anticipated blood loss
• Trauma patients with significant bleeding

Benefits of PRBC Transfusion

• Increases oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
• Improves tissue oxygenation and organ function
• Reduces symptoms of anemia (fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness)
• Supports recovery from surgery and trauma
• Essential for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation

Donor Eligibility and Safety

PRBC units come from healthy voluntary donors who meet strict eligibility criteria. All donations undergo comprehensive screening for infectious diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis, and other pathogens. Cross-matching ensures compatibility between donor and recipient.

Emergency PRBC Availability in Dehradun

Uttarakhand Blood Centre maintains 24/7 emergency PRBC availability for critical cases in Dehradun and surrounding areas. We serve major hospitals including Indresh Hospital, Max Hospital, and Himalayan Hospital with immediate blood component support.

Quality Assurance

All PRBC units undergo rigorous quality control testing including:

• Blood group typing and cross-matching
• Infectious disease screening
• Hemoglobin S screening
• Storage temperature monitoring
• Expiry date verification

For emergency PRBC requirements or to learn more about blood transfusion services in Dehradun, contact Uttarakhand Blood Centre immediately.